Karma Sonam

Field Coordinator, High Altitudes

While I was working at an NGO called Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG) as a driver, agricultural assistant, and the manager of the rural building centre, I met Tsewang Namgial who was doing his PhD on Tibetan Argali in Tsaba valley which was close to my village. He was associated with NCF then and he gave me details about NCF's work all over India. Gradually I got interested in wildlife and once when I was touring South India, Namgial took me to the NCF office and he introduced me to Yash Veer ji and Charu ji. Charu ji hosted me for dinner at his apartment and elaborated about NCF’s work. Seeing his kindheartedness and intelligence, I was impressed and began to think about working for NCF. One day suddenly , I got a call from Charu ji asking me “Karma kya aap NCF join karsaktey ho”? My heart was filled with the joy. That was a turning point in my life.
Soon after joining the NCF family I started working with Namgial in field. I gradually gained a lot of work experience. Before joining NCF, I was completely unaware of the importance of wildlife and its conservation.
I learnt such great things about wildlife at NCF. Once I was aware of this value I transformed myself. I love NCF and feel very lucky to be involved in conservation initiatives and to belong to the NCF family.